Aston Villa 4-0 Nottingham Forest Player Ratings: John McGinn 9.5/10 Stunning Brace Sends Aston Villa to Europa League Final in Historic Villa Park Night

Villa Park has witnessed some unforgettable European nights across its storied history, but what unfolded on the 7th of May 2026 belongs in an entirely different category. Aston Villa produced a second-half masterclass of breathtaking quality and relentless attacking intent to dismantle Nottingham Forest 4-0 and book their place in the Europa League Final in Istanbul, overturning a first-leg deficit in the most emphatic, commanding fashion imaginable.

Watkins' close-range finish drew the tie level on aggregate in the 36th minute after Buendia's electric feet carved through the Nottingham Forest defence, and from that moment Villa's belief was unshakeable. Buendia's composure from the penalty spot gave the hosts an aggregate lead just before the hour mark, yet nothing, absolutely nothing, could have prepared anyone for what John McGinn had in store.

Two goals in just 156 breathtaking seconds from their captain sealed a victory for the ages. First a sumptuous first-time finish into the far corner from Watkins' flick-on, then an almost identical strike from Rogers' lay-off to complete a brace that made him the first Aston Villa player ever to score two goals in a major European semi-final, sending Villa Park into a state of pure, unbridled rapture that will reverberate long into this club's future. Here are Sportsdunia's Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest player ratings.

Key Takeaways

• McGinn was captain, leader, and match-winner all rolled into one extraordinary display deserving of his 9.5/10 rating.
• Buendia was the creative heartbeat of everything Villa produced and his influence ran through every meaningful moment of the match.
• Forest were completely overwhelmed in the second half and had absolutely no answer to Villa's attacking intensity.

Aston Villa Player Ratings vs Nottingham Forest

Here are the Aston Villa Player Ratings vs Nottingham Forest.

Goalkeeper

Emiliano Martínez - 7.0: Had one of the easiest nights of his career. He was a spectator for large spells of the game. Made a couple of routine saves when called upon. His distribution from the back was calm and composed, helping launch attacks. Claimed a couple of high balls with his usual authority. A clean sheet was the least he deserved.

Defenders

Matty Cash - 7.5: A really energetic performance down the right flank. He was a willing runner all night, providing width and creating two good chances. Defensively, he was solid, winning the majority of his duels and not giving the Forest attackers an inch. His work rate was impressive, and he looked full of confidence. A great all-round display from the fullback.

Ezri Konsa - 7.5: Classy and composed. His passing accuracy of 98% tells you everything you need to know about his performance. He was so comfortable on the ball, stepping out of defense with ease. Recovered the ball seven times and didn't seem to break a sweat. A very assured display at the heart of the defence.

Lucas Digne - 6.5: A quieter game from the Frenchman compared to his teammates. He was solid enough defensively but didn't offer the same attacking threat as Cash on the opposite side. Kept his passing tidy and did the simple things well. Not a standout performance but he didn't put a foot wrong either. A steady, if unspectacular, outing.

Pau Torres - 8.0: What a player. He was a rock at the back, dominant in the air and composed on the ball. He won a remarkable seven duels and even managed to win the penalty for the second goal. His reading of the game was excellent, making key interceptions. From our perspective, he looks like a fantastic signing, bringing real quality to the backline.

Midfielders

Victor Lindelöf - 6.5: A surprise start in midfield for the defender. He did a decent job, keeping possession ticking over without trying anything too flashy. He looked a bit like a fish out of water at times, which is understandable. Substituted after 74 minutes, it was an okay performance in an unfamiliar role.

John McGinn - 9.5: Absolutely unplayable. Our man of the match, and it wasn't even close. He drove the team forward with his relentless energy and scored two superb goals. Every time he got the ball, he looked dangerous. He was the heartbeat of the team and led by example. A true captain's performance and the highest-rated player on the pitch.

Youri Tielemans - 7.0: The calm head in a frantic midfield. He complemented McGinn's energy with his composure and passing range. Worked hard off the ball, winning his fair share of duels. He kept the play moving and provided a solid base for the attackers to thrive. A good, solid game from the Belgian.

Emiliano Buendía - 9.0: Simply electric. He was a nightmare for the Forest defence from start to finish. Scored his penalty with confidence and grabbed an assist for his troubles. Created four chances, a testament to his vision and creativity. What stood out to us was his constant movement and desire to make things happen. An outstanding performance.

Morgan Rogers - 8.0: Another player who is looking like a brilliant piece of business. He was a creative force, providing an assist and creating three key passes. His dribbling caused problems all night. He seems to have slotted into this Villa team seamlessly. Looks so comfortable and confident on the ball.

Forwards

Ollie Watkins - 9.0: A complete centre-forward's display. He got the crucial opening goal with a smart finish. Then he unselfishly set up McGinn for another. His movement off the ball was intelligent, dragging defenders all over the place. He was a constant threat and fully deserved his goal and assist. He is in the form of his life.

Substitutes

Lamare Bogarde - N/A: Came on late with the game already won.

Jadon Sancho - N/A: Not enough time to make an impact.

Leon Bailey - N/A: A late cameo.

Douglas Luiz - N/A: Brought on for the final few minutes.

Tyrone Mings - N/A: A welcome return but had nothing to do.

Manager

U. Emery Etxegoien - 8.5: A tactical masterclass from the Spaniard. He set his team up perfectly to exploit Forest's weaknesses. The decision to go on the front foot from the start paid off handsomely. His team played with intensity, creativity, and discipline. He has transformed this Villa side into a formidable unit.

Nottingham Forest Player Ratings vs Aston Villa

Check out the Nottingham Forest Player Ratings vs Aston Villa.

Goalkeeper

Stefan Ortega - 6.5: It feels strange giving a keeper who conceded four a decent rating, but it could have been six or seven without him. He made six saves and was left completely exposed by his defence time and time again. He couldn't have done much about any of the goals. A thankless task for him tonight.

Defenders

Neco Williams - 5.5: A torrid evening for the right-back. He was up against a rampant Villa attack and struggled to cope. He tried to get forward but was pinned back for most of the game. He won a good number of his duels but was part of a defence that was in complete disarray.

Morato - 4.5: Looked completely out of his depth. He was rash in the tackle, picking up an early yellow card. He was dribbled past and struggled with the pace and movement of Villa's forwards. Hooked after 71 minutes, which was probably a mercy. A night to forget.

Jair Cunha - 5.0: Another defender who had a difficult night. He also received a yellow card and seemed overwhelmed by the occasion. While he made a couple of clearances, he was part of a backline that offered no resistance. A real baptism of fire.

Nikola Milenković - 4.0: A disastrous performance. The moment he lunged in and gave away the penalty was the nail in the coffin for his team. It was a clumsy and needless challenge. From our perspective, he was the worst performer on the pitch. An error of that magnitude at this level is unforgivable.

Midfielders

Elliot Anderson - 5.0: Was completely overrun in the midfield battle. His error that led to a shot summed up his evening. He worked hard but was chasing shadows for most of the match. He just couldn't get a foothold in the game against a far superior opposition midfield.

Nicolás Domínguez - 6.0: One of the few Forest players to come out with any credit. He showed some fight and made four interceptions. His passing was neat and he created a couple of chances. It was a thankless task, but he never stopped trying. A glimmer of light in a dark performance.

Omari Hutchinson - 5.0: A really ineffective display. He lost possession far too easily and offered very little in an attacking sense. He got into some decent positions but his final ball was lacking. A frustrating night for the youngster, who was eventually substituted.

James McAtee - 5.5: Anonymous in the first half and was rightly taken off at the break. He just couldn't get on the ball or influence the game in any way. A passenger in a midfield that was being dominated. A game that passed him by completely.

Forwards

Chris Wood - 5.0: Completely isolated up front. He was starved of any meaningful service. He battled away and won a few headers but was fighting a losing battle. Missed a big chance which could have given his team a lifeline. A frustrating and lonely night for the striker.

Igor Jesus - 5.5: Like his strike partner, he was left feeding on scraps. He worked hard and chased lost causes but had no real impact on the game. He had one half-chance with a header but that was about it. A tough night against a well-drilled defence.

Substitutes

Ryan Yates - 6.0: Came on at halftime and added a bit of steel to the midfield. Showed more fight than some of the starters.

Dilane Bakwa - N/A: Had little time to change the game.

Lorenzo Lucca - N/A: Brought on when the game was over.

Murillo - N/A: Late substitution.

Jimmy Sinclair - N/A: No time to make an impact.

Manager

V. de Oliveira Lopes Pereira - 4.0: Got his tactics completely wrong. His team was set up in a way that invited pressure, and they crumbled. The defence was shambolic, and the team showed no attacking intent. He was outclassed by his opposite number. A dreadful day at the office for the manager.

Man of the Match

John McGinn was the man of the match.

Worst Performer

Nikola Milenković was the worst performer.